Tax Section Odyssey

In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato is joined by Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy and Todd Sloves, AICPA Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, to discuss why paid tax preparer oversight is back in the spotlight. The conversation looks at key findings from a recent Government Accounting Office (GAO) report, what "minimum professional standards" could mean for the largely unregulated preparer market, and how the Senate's Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act would implement guardrails and enforcement tools. The episode also explains a practical proposal from the SAFE Act that could simplify filing extensions and reduce penalty risk for taxpayers. Questions answered in this episode: What did the GAO find in its latest report on paid tax return preparers, and why does it matter to taxpayers and the IRS? Why are so many paid tax preparers considered "unregulated," and what risks can that create for taxpayers? What are "minimum professional standards" for paid preparers, and what role does the AICPA support for establishing them? How would the TAS Act change IRS authority and guardrails around PTINs (including the ability to revoke and restore a PTIN)? How would the SAFE Act's extension safe harbor simplify filing an extension and help reduce underpayment penalty exposure? AICPA resources AICPA Advocacy news and resources AICPA Tax Section Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

Filing season is here — and so is confusion. In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown, to break down the most common questions around the new H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provisions, from Trump accounts to the senior deduction as well as discussion around electronic payments and refunds. Practical guidance is here to help you cut through the noise and get it right. What you'll learn from this episode: How new Trump accounts are prompting new client questions while key issues remain unresolve How to clear up confusion around the senior deduction and social security taxation What additional information may be needed from clients for the new deductions for tips, overtime and auto loan interest Why practitioners might need to ask more questions related to energy credit expenditures That managing client misinformation and expectations is a core busy-season skill, especially as guidance continues to evolve. AICPA resources Planning after tax changes FAQs on qualified tip and overtime deductions IRS Payment Modernization: Sending and Receiving Funds Electronically IRS Practice & Procedures Trump accounts under Sec. 530A — FAQs and insights Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Kasey Pittman, Managing Director of Tax Policy — Cherry Bekaert. A recent Supreme Court decision invalidated key tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — raising major questions about refunds, executive authority and what comes next. We discuss the ruling itself, explain what tariffs are impacted and outline practical steps tax practitioners should consider right now for importer clients. What you'll learn from this episode: · Why the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs · Which tariffs are affected and which remain in place · What we know (and don't know) about potential refunds · How tax practitioners with importer clients can add value right now · What to watch next in tariff policy AICPA resources Supreme Court decisions: Implications for the tax and accounting profession Tariff Resource Center Tax implications of tariffs Other resources Global Business Alliance (GBA) Tariff Tracker Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) podcast, hosts Cary Sinnett, CPF, CAP, CFT-1, CExP, and April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, are joined by is joined by Sebrina Ivey, CPA/PFS to explore Trump accounts, also known as Sec. 530A accounts. These accounts are a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle for children created under H.R 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The episode focuses on what CPAs need to know now to advise families on coordinating these accounts with broader tax, estate and financial plans. NOTE: Gift tax return/GST tax return requirements for contributions to a Trump Account: At this time, Treasury and the IRS have not provided guidance under Sec. 530A clarifying that contributions to Trump Accounts are considered a completed gift of a present interest in property eligible for the annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient for 2026 gifts). Without further guidance, it appears any contribution to a Trump Account will be considered a taxable gift of a future interest and therefore subject to both gift and GST tax — effectively reducing a taxpayers' federal estate tax lifetime exclusion ($15M for deaths occurring in 2026). What you'll learn from this episode: What Trump Accounts are and how they fit alongside 529s, Roth IRAs and custodial accounts Understand who can contribute and how much to Trump Accounts Key contribution, investment and compliance rules for these accounts How to plan ahead for key transition points Resources Trump Accounts under Sec. 530A — Timeline and insights IRS Trump Accounts IRS Notice 2025-68 Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Edward Jenkins, CPA, CGMA, Professor of Practice in Accounting — Penn State University, to discuss name, image and likeness (NIL) taxation issues for student athletes. Together they unpack common misconceptions, emerging revenue streams, unresolved classification issues and the growing complexity of state taxation. Highlights include key considerations — and opportunities — for CPAs advising clients in this rapidly changing area. What you'll learn from this episode: Understand how NIL income is taxed — and why student athletes are often surprised at filing time Learn where the biggest compliance risks and reporting pitfalls are for student athletes Explore the unresolved questions around worker classification and self‑employment (SE) tax Hear why state tax, dependency and multi‑state issues make NIL especially complex Resources · State and Local Tax (SALT) Resource Center · Student Athlete Income Recognition: State and Federal Tax Care Required Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

Align your compass to the year ahead. In this episode, April Walker brings tax leaders together to share intentional, practical ways to run a better practice, focusing on advisory-first mindsets, using artificial intelligence (AI) with a purpose, collaboration around new legislation and sustainable operating rhythms. What you'll learn from this episode: How to prioritize client outcomes and reinvest tech-enabled time into higher-value conversations Using AI with purpose — concrete use cases, role-based workflows and "AI stacking" for research, communication and tools Why we need to be ready for digital asset taxation with Form 1099-DA on the way How to be intentional with your operations — creating boundaries, systems and prioritizing consistency over intensity AICPA resources - Tax Section landing page - Tax Section news and member FAQs

In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, the final in a three-part miniseries on reimagining firm ownership, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is again joined by Adam Shay, CPA, a former firm owner turned business coach for accounting firm owners. This episode explores the personal and professional journeys that can follow selling a firm. This candid conversation offers practical advice for firm owners and professionals navigating major transitions in their careers. What you'll learn from this episode: The importance of prioritizing self-care Why it is normal to expect identity shifts Ways to rediscover your purpose How connecting with others who have experienced similar transitions can ease the journey AICPA resources Reimagining firm ownership — Building and growing a modern practice | Tax Section Odyssey (episode 1 in the reimagining miniseries) Reimagining firm ownership - Selling smart in a changing environment | Tax Section Odyssey (episode 2 in the reimagining miniseries) Engage365 Key considerations when selling a CPA practice PCPS Transforming Your Business Model Reimagining Your Tax Practice

In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, the second in a three-part miniseries on reimagining firm ownership, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is again joined by Adam Shay, CPA, a former firm owner turned business coach for accounting firm owners. This conversation explores how accounting firm owners can successfully navigate the process of selling their firm in today's competitive market. Gather actional insights for firm owners considering a sale, emphasizing strategic preparation, objective valuation and thoughtful communication throughout the process. What you'll learn from this episode: Key qualities buyers look for, including strong people, pricing, processes and technology Common mistakes sellers make, such as accepting the first offer or neglecting competition The important role of due diligence, transparency and cultural fit in successful transactions AICPA resources Reimagining firm ownership — Building and growing a modern practice | Tax Section Odyssey (episode 1 in the reimagining miniseries) Engage365 Reimagining Your Tax Practice PCPS Transforming Your Business Model

In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is joined by Adam Shay, CPA, a former firm owner turned business coach for accounting firm owners, to kick off a three-part series on reimagining firm ownership. The conversation explores the lifecycle of a modern accounting firm, focusing on building a sellable practice, developing future leaders and overcoming common challenges such as owner dependency and process bottlenecks. Hear insights on leveraging people, processes, pricing and technology to create a sustainable, scalable firm. What you'll learn from this episode: Practical strategies for delegation, leadership development and embracing innovation. Actionable advice for navigating growth, preparing for transition and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in today's rapidly evolving tax profession. How process documentation and technology adoption drive consistency in a firm. How to use a pricing model to reflect value provided to your clients. AICPA resources Engage365 Reimagining Your Tax Practice PCPS Transforming Your Business Model

In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, sits down with Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown, to unpack key year-end tax planning strategies. They dive into new opportunities for individuals and businesses under the H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the increased state and local tax (SALT) cap, expanded deductions and the return of immediate expensing for domestic research and development (R&D) costs. Tune in for practical insights on proactive planning and multi-year modeling to help clients maximize benefits under the new law. What you'll learn from this episode: The impact of H.R. 1 on income tax planning Learn more about new and expanded deductions Hear about year-end actions that might be beneficial for taxpayers Why entity choice conversations might be necessary given the current law AICPA resources Planning after tax changes Tax Section Tax Section news and member FAQs Year-End Tax and Financial Planning Toolkit Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.